If you’re looking for a festive treat that perfectly captures the magic of the holidays, look no further than this Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a buttery base with a surprise burst of sweet pineapple and a bright pop of maraschino cherry on top. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite feel like a holiday celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting friends, or just craving a joyful bake, these cookies offer that perfect blend of nostalgic warmth and tropical cheer all wrapped up in one festive package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies just right is all about simple, quality ingredients that work together beautifully. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to bring balance in flavor, texture, and that irresistible festive vibe.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened for easy creaming, it adds richness and tenderness to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Sweetens the dough while helping create that lovely crumb texture.
- Large egg, 1: Binds ingredients perfectly and adds moisture without weighing the dough down.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The base for our dough, giving structure and a tender bite.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Lifts the cookies gently to a light, chewy texture.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
- Maraschino cherries, 6, halved: Adds a classic festive flair and juicy bursts of color atop each cookie.
- Crushed pineapple, 1/4 cup, drained well: Brings juicy sweetness and a tropical surprise, making these cookies unforgettable.
- Brown sugar, 2 tablespoons: Mixed with pineapple for a hint of caramel richness and added moisture.
How to Make Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and won’t stick. This little prep step ensures your cookies come out perfect every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is key to those soft, tender cookies everyone loves. It also helps incorporate air, giving your cookies a nice lift.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla until everything is smooth and well combined. The egg provides structure, while vanilla deepens the overall flavor, giving the dough its inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed to avoid any pockets of powder in your dough.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture until a soft dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky, making it easy to scoop and shape for the next step.
Step 6: Prepare the Pineapple Topping
In a small bowl, combine the well-drained crushed pineapple with the brown sugar. This sweet mixture will be your cookie’s surprise center, adding moisture and a fantastic tropical hint that complements the cherry beautifully.
Step 7: Shape and Top the Cookies
Take about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it gently into a small circle. Spoon a pinch of the pineapple and brown sugar mixture into the center, then press half a maraschino cherry on top. This upside-down approach creates that classic look and flavor profile found in pineapple upside-down desserts, now reimagined as a charming cookie.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before enjoying.
How to Serve Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, consider brushing each cooled cookie lightly with a touch of warm apricot jam or honey for a beautiful sheen. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of shredded toasted coconut around the edges for added texture and a subtle tropical aroma that complements the pineapple.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with classic holiday beverages. Think hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, spiced apple cider, or even a lightly sweetened eggnog. The warm, spiced drinks bring out the rich buttery notes of the cookie and balance the fruitiness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For Christmas parties, arrange these cookies on a festive platter surrounded by fresh evergreen sprigs or cranberries for a holiday vibe. You can also place them in decorative tins tied with red and green ribbons for delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left after the festivities, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, keeping their delightful burst of pineapple and cherry flavors intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies once completely cooled by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to treat yourself, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
To revive the soft texture and warm up the caramelized pineapple notes, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This gentle reheating breathes new life into your cookies without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Absolutely! Just be sure to finely chop fresh pineapple and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie dough’s texture and baking time.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherries? Can I use something else?
You can substitute the maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or even small pieces of fresh red fruit like raspberries for a different but festive touch. Just keep in mind the visual and flavor impact will vary a bit.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before shaping can help reduce spreading. Also, avoid adding too much pineapple topping to prevent excess moisture that could cause spreading.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! These Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe cookies make charming and delicious gifts, especially when packaged in festive tins or boxes. They’re sure to impress any recipient.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in batches. Just be sure to keep an eye on oven space to allow proper air circulation for even baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a holiday cookie that combines classic flavors with a fun twist, and this Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. With its inviting aroma and playful texture, it’s a festive treat that’s bound to become a cherished tradition. I can’t wait for you to try these at home and enjoy every joyful bite with your loved ones!
Print
Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies combine the classic flavors of pineapple and maraschino cherries with a buttery sugar cookie base. Perfectly soft and sweet with a festive twist, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings or a delightful treat throughout the season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 6 maraschino cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: Mix the well-drained crushed pineapple with brown sugar in a small bowl. This mixture will add a sweet and tangy topping to the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it into a small circle in your hand. Place a pinch of the pineapple-brown sugar mixture in the center, then top with half a maraschino cherry to create a festive look and flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each prepared cookie on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a less sweet topping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly and monitor closely.
